KWV appoints Wim Truter as Chief Winemaker

KWV has appointed Wim Truter as its new Chief Winemaker. He brings thirteen years of international and local wine industry experience to one of SA’s most revered producers.

Originally from the Strand, Truter finished his studies at the University of Stellenbosch in 2003 and worked in Australia, USA and France for 2 years. He started his career in SA at Nederburg, in Paarl, where he worked as red winemaker until 2009 at which point he was selected to complete a master’s program in Viticulture and Oenology in Europe. The program was based in France, Italy and Spain, where he gained great experience and travelled through the EU visiting wine producing regions. He then completed his thesis in SA on viticultural practices. He returned to Nederburg as white winemaker in 2011 and then moved to Bergkelder in Stellenbosch in 2013, first as red winemaker and later as Cellar Master before joining KWV this month.

Commenting on his new appointment, Wim Truter says that the KWV appointment is a massive honour and privilege and that he feels lucky that those that have come before him have laid down an amazing platform and base to work from.

He continues: “There is an award winning, talented team in place who are wholeheartedly committed to the production of exceptional wines. My goals are to work with them and build on this solid foundation and to continue with this pursuit of quality and excellence both in the vineyards and in the winery.”

He adds that another big focus will be to find ways to engage with consumers so that the incredible stories that are so part of the wines the wine team at KWV makes are conveyed.

Truter says that being a winemaker is his dream job. “What’s not to love – the creativity, the variation – no two days are the same, getting to be outside in the vineyards, the pressure and teamwork in the winery. And, of course, getting to drink the most amazing wines.”

He adds: “I am very thankful for this opportunity and the reception has been wonderful at my new home. I am looking forward to the new challenge and to continue on in the pioneering spirit of KWV.”

De Bruyn Steenkamp, Global Sales & Marketing Director for KWV, says he is thrilled to have winemaker Wim Truter on board and feels sure he will build on KWV’s quality and heritage cues. “We have proven recently that our wines are modern, classy, fruit driven, elegant and relevantly styled. Having worked with Wim before I have no doubt that he will become another Proud Pioneer for KWV.”

“Moving forward our award winning team together with Wim will continue to experiment with new wine techniques, varietals and new terroir, in order for us to always stay on trend, fresh and innovative.”

KWV’s outgoing winemaker, Johann Fourie, who was named Diners Club Winemaker of the Year 2016, is leaving the corporate environment to further his career in the boutique wine sector, taking a position as head winemaker at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate to specialize in the production of patrician sparkling wine at the company’s SA and UK operations.

On his departure, Johann Fourie had this to say: “I can go on forever about what has been an amazing ten years at KWV. To everyone that crossed my way, thanks for the support, opportunities, learnings and heights we have achieved together. It’s been a huge privilege making wines for South Africa’s most sought after iconic wine brand. The wines are in better hands than ever before and it is without any doubt that the team, together with Wim, will continue to achieve great things and take KWV’s wines to heights it’s never been.”

KWV wines continues to be recognized globally as a leading wine brand for its quality, heritage and innovation brands including Roodeberg, KWV wines, Laborie, Cathedral Cellar, and KWV The Mentors.

Steenkamp adds: “Our success is the result of our access to exceptional grapes, our relationship with our growers, the investment we have made in our wine-making team and our ability to constantly innovate and improve our cellar practices.”

KWV was once again this year named as one of Drinks International’s the World’s Top 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for the fifth successive year and has further cemented its position as a leading international wine producer, with its impressive 171 wine awards at both international and local competitions for 2016 so far. These include 24 trophies, 15 double gold, 34 gold, 62 silver, and 36 bronze medals.

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As a young aspiring chef, Michael laid a solid foundation for his career at the Cordon Bleu Cooking School in London. Over the next 30 years he had a series of high profile hospitality management posts, was the Public Relations Manager for Boschendal and ran three successful restaurants in the Cape, one of which, Parks, featured in the national top 10 restaurants.

Michael is a family man, author and broadcaster.

A lifetime devoted to the promotion and appreciation of the South African wine and food industry has earned him many accolades, including the Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Eat Out Awards.

Michael continues to be prolific, informative and entertaining on his wine and food website, michaelolivier.co.za